University of Edinburgh

The £12m refurbishment at George Square comprised the upgrade of levels ground to 6 to form new offices, teaching and laboratory spaces; and an extensive Biomedical Research Facility; the installation of a new floor and roof to the building, whilst maintaining the weatherproofing; and the refurbishment of the existing plant rooms on levels 4 and 6. The building remained occupied, with the exception of levels 5 and 6, and work to these ‘live’ areas were on the basis of two rooms at a time. The project was completed without disruption despite the ongoing use of the building.

“This was a highly complex project which covered multiple types of end-design… subject to the most intensive scrutiny by legislative bodies e.g. Health and Safety Executive and the Home Office…Interserve’s ‘can do’ attitude was I believe, the major contributing factor leading to the success of the project.”  Dr Graham L Thomas, Director of Biomedical Research Resources, University of Edinburgh.

Interserve constructed the £5m six-storey research extension connecting the new building onto the existing Ashworth Building to provide office and meeting rooms. In addition, we installed fume cabinets, basement laboratories with high humidity control, as well as local cooling, compressed air and low velocity air conditioning to the majority of the building. There was also Infection Control laboratories, which require to be under negative pressure at all times. Also provided low temperature hot water heating; toilet extract ventilation; natural and laboratory gases; electrical installation; fire alarms; emergency lighting; lift; diversion of electrical services and steam mains; installations of drainage pump chamber; and hard landscaping to the building perimeter.

The £3.8m project was completed within 23 weeks and consists of asbestos removal; internal refurbishment; new glazed roof; windows repairs; upgrading and partial remodelling of levels 1,2,3 and concourse roof on level 4 of the existing building; major structural alterations to create a new hub / cafe area on the main concourse level; lecture theatres; seminar rooms; associated toilets; circulation areas; and basement plant rooms including Mechanical and electrical services. The remainder of the building was in continual use by the client.

This £11 million project consists of asbestos removal; strip out of the existing building and the complete renewal of Mechanical and electrical services; and the refurbishment of the existing building to form new seminar rooms, teaching, common rooms and offices. Externally, the existing staircase access towers were re-clad along with the complete renewal of external windows. On the south elevation, existing storage buildings were demolished and a new two-storey extension added.

The refurbishment of the Library building at George Square is an exciting opportunity to create a world-class, sustainable facility but also a challenging one, as it is an “A” listed building, which had to remain fully functional during the process. The £35 million contract consists of the refurbishment of 8 levels of the building. Completed work includes the ground floor, levels 5 and 6; cafe; study; exhibition rooms; strong rooms for rare and original copies of books, manuscripts and paintings that require close monitoring for temperature and humidity; as well as asbestos removal. Interserve maintained continuity of Mechanical and electrical services during the replacement for the whole building.

“A great pleasure to look around this site which is obviously managed by a dedicated and enthusiastic team. Good emphasis on planning and it shows! Very well done, keep it up.”  Considerate Constructors Monitors Report

This £5.5 million contract is nearing completion and is another refurbishment and extension project that will provide upgraded Teacher Training facilities for the University including lecture theatres; technical labs for metal and woodwork training and science laboratories; and art and music rooms with recording studios.